Solomon's Gold

CHAPTER 33

Ari Herzog and an unsmiling man in a rumpled blue suit listened as Nick described what they'd found and what had happened on the mountain. Herzog didn't introduce his companion.

Nick handed him the pack with the Semtex.

"Has to be the Iranians."

"Mmm. And you are sure about the inscription."

"Selena thinks it refers to the port of Ezion-geber."

"Ezion-geber is lost. You saw no sign that anything had been hidden in those caves and removed?"

"No. I don't see how any significant amount of gold or anything else could have been hauled up to those caves in the first place."

"Then the Iranians will already be following up on what was written."

"That's what I'd do," Nick said. "As soon as we get someone to clear Ronnie, we'll keep going."

"That won't be necessary," Herzog said. "I have my instructions. As of now, you are no longer involved in this. I'd advise you to go home."

"With all due respect, Ari, you can't keep us from being involved. You can ask us to leave Israel, but you can't stop us from pursuing this on our own."

"Don't be stubborn, Nick. This is an Israeli matter. We're grateful for what you've done, but it's our show from here. The Iranians complicate things. This is now a matter of national security and political concern."

"So that's the way it is?"

The man standing next to Herzog spoke for the first time. "You would be wise to heed his advice, Carter," he said. His voice was flat. "Further interference in this matter will be considered an unfriendly act. Understood?"

"Perfectly."

"I'll be waiting at the helicopter, Ari." He turned and walked away.

"Who's the asshole?" Nick asked.

Herzog said, "I apologize for his rudeness, Nick, but my hands are tied. You're welcome to see the sights of my country before you go home. You might enjoy the beach at Eilat."

"Eilat?"

"I think you would enjoy it. You should go there."

Nick was about to say something when Selena placed her hand on his arm.

"That's a wonderful suggestion, Ari." She turned to Nick. "I think we could all use a few days on the beach. Ronnie needs to rest and I'd love to have a real vacation for a change."

"But…"

"Trust me, it's the best thing we can do."

"Excellent," Ari said. "I'll have a vehicle brought to you. It's only a few hours drive from here. I can recommend a good hotel on the beach. In fact, why don't you stay there as a guest of our country? I'll make the arrangements. You have my number, Nick, if you run into any problems."

"Problems?"

"I mean with the hotel, of course. Tonight, we'll put you up in Ein Gedi. You can get cleaned up and a night's rest before you drive south."

"Ronnie should see a doctor," Nick said.

"I'll arrange it. Someone will drive you all into town from here." Herzog looked at his watch. "I have to get back to Tel Aviv. It's been a pleasure to see you again, Nick. I wish it had been less exciting for you. Perhaps we'll meet again in the future."

When Ari and his companion were gone, Nick turned to Selena.

"What was that all about? Why did you interrupt when I was talking to him?"

"He was giving us a double message. He had to tell us we were no longer allowed to search for the gold. Those are his orders and the man standing with him was there to make sure they were carried out."

"Okay, we're supposed to lay off. What's the other part of the message?"

"Eilat is close to where Ezion-geber was located. He was telling you that he wants us to keep looking."

Lamont walked over to them. "Our ride's waiting to take us into town. Ronnie hasn't said anything, but he doesn't look so hot."

"First stop is a hospital to get him checked out," Nick said.

"You talk to Harker yet?"

"No. I'll do it when we get back in town."